Most (if not) all regulated occupations require supervision. The nature of the supervision will be influenced by the:

level of risk posed to public health and safety should supervision not occur;

technical nature of the work; and

degree of on the job training.

For electrical workers Supervision is defined by section 2 of the Electricity Act 1992 (the Act). Supervision is:

Supervision, in relation to any work, means that the work is undertaken under such control and direction of a person authorised under this Act to do the work [or, in the case of section 76, a person authorised to supervise work under that section] as is sufficient to ensure—

That the work is performed competently; and

That while the work is being undertaken, appropriate safety measures are adopted; and

That the completed work complies with the requirements of any regulations made under section 169 of this Act.

There are a number of elements to the definition – if an element is missing then the supervision will be deficient. A Supervisor must have a strong understanding of the knowledge and experience of the electrical worker being supervised, and the prescribed electrical work proposed. A ‘more hands on’ approach will be necessary where the electrical worker holds few skills and experience. The safety of the person and others is the overriding consideration.

Ordinarily Supervisors are not expected to sight and direct every aspect of the electrical worker’s work. However, a Supervisor should be actively and frequently involved with the electrical worker and their work. The Supervisor is required to exercise judgement so the supervision is suitable in each case.

Electrical worker supervision is further defined by the following Board policies: